Noise ControlMasterton

District Council

Noise Control

Managing Noise in Masterton

1. Keep noise levels down at night.

2. Inform neighbours if you are planning a party or invite them.

3. Keep your music equipment inside and close doors and windows where possible.

4. Keep party guests inside. Ask them to keep their noise down when entering and leaving.

5. Tell neighbours of planned work on your section that may be noisy.

6. Ensure burglar alarms cut off after 15 minutes and have to be manually reset.

7. Ensure car alarms are installed correctly and are not oversensitive or faulty.

8. Do not start up noisy equipment such as chainsaws early in the morning or late at night.

Masterton District Council 06 370 6300 (during office hours)Noise control out of hours service 0800 766 600

Call into:Masterton District Council64 Chapel StreetMasterton

Write to:Masterton District CouncilP O Box 444Masterton

Website:www.mstn.govt.nz

8Eight ways to be a considerate neighbour:

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www.mstn.govt.nz

When Noise AnnoysIn all towns, noise is a fact of life. You are entitled to make a certain amount of noise as you work and play – but there are limits.At any time of the day or night you have the right to have excessive noise stopped or reduced.

What is Excessive Noise?The Resource Management Act states that excessive noise means any “man-made” noise which unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort and convenience of any person. Examples of excessive noise may include a loud party, stereo music, band practice, audible alarms or machinery.Noise from moving vehicles such as cars, aircraft, boats and trains is not under the Council’s control.

A Quiet Word About NoiseEveryone should expect some degree of noise in their neighbourhood from time to time. Noise control is not intended to regulate everyday residential activities such as mowing lawns and vehicles driving on the road.But if you are concerned about the noise coming from your neighbour’s place, often a friendly word over the fence is all that is required. Talk to the person or company responsible for the noise and point out the problem. You may find they are unaware that they are disturbing you.

Noise Control ProcedureWe do not use noise monitoring machines to measure noise from parties, etc.We use a matrix system to measure the nuisance level of noise based on these four factors:1. Volume2. Time of Day

3. Frequency4. Tone

Each factor is given a points weighting and these are then added together. If a noise assessment scores six points or more we take action against the property owner/occupier. The monitoring matrix ensures that noise levels are not excessive, but this does not mean there will be no noise.

What Happens if My Equipment Is Seized?All confiscated equipment comes to the Councilfor safekeeping. The equipment will be returned ifthe Council is satisfied that it won’t be used to causenoise problems again. To ensure that the equipment is returned to the correct owner, you will need to bring proof of identity and the original copy of the seizure notice. You will need to pay an impound fee to cover the cost of seizure and storage, and charges for Noise Control visits to your premises. You should contact the Council to ascertain the cost for return of your equipment.If the Council receives further complaints after returning your equipment to you, it is unlikely it will be returned if seized a second time.

What About Alarms?Alarms must stop sounding after 15 minutes and have to be manually reset. You can complain about alarms that don’t stop after 15 minutes by telephoning (06) 370 6300 during office hours, or 0800 766 600 outside office hours.An alarm technician, accompanied by Police and Noise Control, will make the alarm inoperable, if possible. The owner of the property will be charged for any costs incurred.

Ongoing Problems With NoiseFurther action may be required for noise from industrial or commercial sites. A Council Officer can discuss the matter with you.

How Do I Complain?When informal action is not possible or fails, you can resolve the problem by taking formal action. Excessive noise complaints are investigated by Masterton District Council Environmental Health Officers. Outside office hours a security company works under contract to the Council. Contact us during office hours on (06) 370 6300 or out of hours on 0800 766 600.Make sure you report noise issues whilst they are happening, so that immediate action can be taken. Your complaint will then be followed up by a Noise Control Officer. All complaints are treated confidentially.

What Can Council Do?Officers following up on a complaint will assess whether the noise is too loud based on the time of the day or night, the type of noise, location of neighbours, duration of the noise, noise level and the zone (i.e. residential, business, rural or other).There’s no one set level or decibel reading to measure whether noise is excessive. Deciding whether noise is excessive is up to the judgement of the Noise Control Officer.If the noise is assessed as reasonable, no further action will be taken. If the noise is judged excessive, an Excessive Noise Direction (END notice) will be served on the occupants of the property requiring them to immediately reduce or cease the noise. The Direction remains in force for 72 hours.If the Direction is ignored, equipment can be seized or inactivated and the owner can recieve an instant fine of $500.

Examples of the monitoring matrixVolume Low = Barely audible

Med = Clearly audible High = Loud noise

Time of Day Low = 7am – 10pm Med = 10pm – 12am High = 12am – 7am

Frequency Low = Never been to property before High = Repeat incidents at this property

Tone Subjective assessment by officers depending on characteristics e.g: bass, piercing notes, etc.